These bacon cream cheese mashed potatoes are a creamy, savory, and completely delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal! Mashed potatoes are mixed with cream cheese, bacon, butter, and herbs for an extra special combination. Once you try out this tasty side, you'll never want to make mashed potatoes another way again!
Add your peeled russet potatoes into a large pot of salted water (or water and optional chicken broth) and bring it to a boil.
2½ lbs russet potatoes, 2 cups chicken broth
Boil your potatoes until they easily break apart with a fork (about 30 minutes).
Meanwhile, go ahead and add your cream cheese, butter, and milk into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the cream cheese has softened, whisk until the cream cheese and butter have melted and the mixture is smooth.
4 oz cream cheese, 2 tablespoon butter, ¼ cup milk
Next, add in the crumbled bacon, garlic powder, dried onion, chives, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and then reduce the heat to low.
2 strips bacon, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ tablespoon dried minced onion, ½ tablespoon chives, ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper
When the potatoes are done cooking, drain the water and return them to the pot.
Use a potato ricer or potato masher to thoroughly mash up your potatoes, removing all of the lumps.
Pour the cream cheese sauce over top of the mashed potatoes and stir until everything is well-combined.
Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Anytime you make mashed potatoes, you should always salt the water with about 1 tablespoon of salt per pound of potatoes. This will help to preseason your potatoes so that the final dish is extra flavorful!
Add 2 cups of chicken broth to the water that you use to boil the potatoes to add some extra flavor!
Overmixing your potatoes can make them gummy and unsavory. Only mix until everything is just combined.
To store: Place your leftover mashed potatoes into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To freeze: Allow your potatoes to cool completely before placing them in a storage container and freezing for up to 2 months. Take a look at my guide for freezing mashed potatoes!
To reheat: Place your mashed potatoes into a pot over low heat. Once warm, add a splash of cream or some butter. For more methods, take a look at my guide for reheating mashed potatoes.